2024 Winners
HITN awarded a co-directed film on this year’s National Film Short Contest for Middle School Students
Arianna I. Carias
I am an 8th grade student at Esperanza Academy and l am 13 years old. I am a very creative, happy, bubbly person and l love to tell stories. I love to write, perform, sing and have fun. I love to travel, explore and try new things. Finally, l am really grateful for all of these opportunities that have been offered to me. My film is about Esperanza Academy board chair Angel Ortiz and his positive impacts on the Latino community. My film dives into his past, his accomplishments and his family life. I talk about how he became who he is today and all of the great things he did to support Latinos. My film talks about his inspirations. Overall, my film is about Angel Ortiz, the father, the husband, the politician and the community leader.
Daneishka L. Estrella
Daneishka Estrella is an outstanding 8th-grade student at Esperanza Academy Charter School. Known for her love of learning, Daneishka consistently excels academically, earning her a spot on both the All-A’s List and the Honor Roll. Her passion for mathematics shines through, making it her favorite subject. Daneishka is dedicated to her education and has set her sights on attending college in the future.
She attributes much of her success to the unwavering support of her parents, Waldemar Estrella and Sor Hernandez, who are deeply committed to keeping her focused on her academics. With her drive, talent, and strong family foundation, Daneishka is poised for a bright future.
Play VideoClick to view the awarded video on 2024 Honoree Angel Luis Ortiz Rivera!
The 2024 HITN Honorees for
Puerto Rican Heritage:
Carmen Arroyo, New York
Born in Corozal, Puerto Rico, Ms. Arroyo is a trailblazing leader known for her work as an activist, poet, and legislator. She became a prominent community organizer after moving to New York in 1964 to provide a better life for her seven children. In 1966, she founded the South Bronx Action Group, which expanded tenant advocacy to include services like employment, health and adult education.
Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, Boston
Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, a native of Caguas, Puerto Rico, grew up immersed in the island’s vibrant culture and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico. With a drive to impact public policy, she pursued her doctoral studies at UMass Boston, later receiving an honorary doctorate from Cambridge College in recognition of her outstanding contributions to community development.
Luis V. Gutiérrez, Chicago
Luis Vicente Gutiérrez, born in Chicago to Puerto Rican parents, launched his political career as an activist on the Chicago City Council, where he represented the 26th Ward from 1986 until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1993, where he represented Illinois’s 4th congressional district for over 25 years.
Lolita Lebrón, Puerto Rico (Posthumous recognition)
Lolita Lebrón was born in 1919, in Lares Puerto Rico. In 1941, she moved to New York City, where she became an active member of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party and eventually rose to a position of influence within the organization.
Ángel Luis Ortiz Rivera, Philadelphia
Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, in 1941, to Ramona Rivera Santos, a strong and independent single mother. In 1951, his family moved to NYC, settling on Attorney Street, know as “Banana Street,” by the local Boricua community. Elected as Councilman At Large in 1982, he served until 2004 and fought for the equitable legislative representation and increased support for Puerto Rican and Latino communities.
CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT DATES:
Wednesday, November 13, 2024:
Submissions end at 5pm ET.
Thursday, November 14, 2024:
The winning film will be announced on our website, social media and shown on HITN’s cable TV station, the largest Hispanic non-profit cable station in the country.
Participating cities:
Boston, MA
Hartford, CT
Philadelphia, PA
San Juan, PR
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Ponce, PR
Springfield, MA
Cleveland, OH
New York, NY
San Antonio, TX
Yauco, PR
Rules & Guidelines
Please read and carefully consider the following details and guidelines for Cortitos 2024.
Upload your film no later than November 13, 2024 by 5 pm ET.
All entrants must adhere to the following guidelines:
Tú Cuentas Cine Youth Fest would like to invite you to participate in “Cortitos,” a unique film contest that offers your students an opportunity to have their work showcased on HITN, the nation’s largest Hispanic cable TV station.
“Cortitos,” as part of HITN’s Tú Cuentas Cine Youth Film Fest, features two engaging and educational activities designed to provide a rich learning experience and foster creativity for middle-school students.
Entrants will create a 1-minute film about one of the five prominent Puerto Rican figures featured in our series (see this year’s honorees here) Submitted films can be animated or live-action – funny or serious.
- All films must be created specifically for “Cortitos” Contest 2024.
- Entry is free and is open to all middle school students in the United States and Puerto Rico.
- Each film must be no longer than 60 seconds. Opening and/or closing credits are not required, but (if added) may add up to an additional 10 seconds in total.
- Films may be in English or Spanish or have no dialogue at all. Non-English audio (and important on-screen text) must have English subtitles.
- Ensure that all content in your film (including footage, music, images, props, etc.) is your own. If you include any copyrighted or trademarked content, you must be able to provide written permission for its use. Entries containing any unauthorized content will be disqualified.
- All entries must be submitted online (including uploading the short film and at least two still images from the film and a poster image of the film) by Thursday, November 13, 2024, at 5pm ET.
2023 Winner
‘Cortitos’ the National Film Short Contest for Middle School Students, Culminates with a “Hi-five!”
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023 – In addition to the Tú Cuentas Cine Youth Fest series which just culminated, HITN-TV is presenting another dynamic initiative in celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage Month – the national film shorts contest for middle-school students “Cortitos.” This special program invited students to write and produce a 1-minute short film or “cortito” featuring one of this year’s five Puerto Rican Heritage Month honorees and enter it into a contest.
“Cortitos” congratulates Arianna Carias, a 7th grader, of Esperanza Academy Charter Middle School in Philadelphia, for winning the Hi-Five Award for her portrayal of Billy Ocasio’s inclusive and rich contributions to Puerto Rican Heritage. Her teacher is Dwight Wilkins. We are proud of her participation in “Cortitos,” and even prouder of her creativity and talent. Her work and writing are truly inspiring, and we hope that she will continue to create and share it with the world. Thank you, Arianna, for being a part of our community! As the recipient of the “Hi-Five Award,” Arianna will receive a beautiful, custom-designed certificate and folder from HITN (Hispanic Information Telecommunications Network), as well as a $100 gift card.
The “Cortitos” initiative serves a dual purpose, fostering creative expression while connecting different generations. By encouraging students to delve into the life stories of these remarkable Puerto Rican personalities, HITN-TV aims to deepen their understanding of these pioneers’ historical roots and the profound impact they have had on society. “Cortitos” welcomes the participation of all middle school creators next year. Stay tuned!
Congratulations, Arianna!
The 2023 HITN Honorees for
Puerto Rican Heritage Month:
Billy Ocasio, Chicago
Billy Ocasio has served as the President and CEO of the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture for the past nine years. A former politician who served as 26th Ward Alderman for 15 years. He left the Chicago City Council in 2009, appointed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to serve as an advisor on social justice issues.
José Rivera, New York
José Rivera (born July 30, 1936) is a former politician who served in the New York State Assembly from 2001 to 2022, representing the Fordham-Bedford, Kingsbridge Heights, Bedford Park, and Belmont sections of the Bronx. He was a member of the New York City Council from 1987 to 2000.
Lourdes Ramos-Rivas, Los Angeles
Lourdes I. Ramos-Rivas, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Museum of Latin American Art or MOLAA. Dr. Lourdes Ramos-Rivas, the first Puerto Rican and Latina president and CEO of MOLAA has initiated ambitious plans to grow the museum into a first-class institution with international clout. A native of Puerto Rico, Dr. Ramos has led the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in San Juan, one of the largest and most prominent Latin American cultural institutions.
Ramon Figueroa Sorrentini and Irmgard Iglesias, Puerto Rico
Ramon and Irmgard, both retired educators, have organized the Comité de Trabajo y Apoyo a Vieques and the Festival Reyes Magos de Vieques for the past 25 years. The Festival has benefitted thousands of Vieques, Puerto Rico, schoolchildren by raising money for school supplies and a children’s festival.
More information: Here
